BOGO — "buy one, get one" — is one of the most recognised promotions in retail. On Shopify it's a fast way to clear stock, launch a product, or spike order value during a sale. Here's how to run it well without shredding your margin.
The BOGO variants
- Buy one, get one free — the classic. Strong pull, but check the margin (see below).
- Buy one, get one 50% off — softer on margin, still a compelling deal.
- Buy 2, get 1 free — raises the quantity threshold, protecting profit.
- Buy X, get a different product — pair a hero product with an add-on you want to move.
When BOGO works (and when it doesn't)
BOGO shines for high-margin or overstocked items, product launches, and seasonal pushes. It's risky on low-margin products — "buy one get one free" can turn a healthy sale into a loss. Always run the numbers on the paired items first; a profit tool likeProfitVault shows the real margin after the free unit and fees.
How to set up BOGO on Shopify
- Install Packmate and go to Bundles → Create bundle → BOGO.
- Choose the "buy" product(s) and the "get" product(s) and the reward (free, % off, or fixed amount).
- Set the threshold — buy 1, buy 2, etc.
- Turn on the widget so the offer shows on the product page with the savings.
- Publish — the reward applies automatically at checkout via a native Shopify discount, no code.
Protect your margin
- Prefer "buy 2, get 1" over "buy 1, get 1" on thinner margins.
- Cap it — limit the number of BOGO rewards per order.
- Pair strategically — give away an add-on, not another hero unit.
- Set an end date so it stays a promotion, not the new normal price.
FAQ
Do customers need a discount code?
No. Packmate creates a native automatic discount — the reward applies at checkout with no code to type.
Can I run BOGO across two different products?
Yes — the "buy" and "get" products can be different, which is great for cross-selling an add-on.